Did you know that the official recommendation by the CDC is that children see a dentist by their first birthday? That’s right, dental care starts earlier than most people think! Even if your child barely has teeth at all, the dentist can help them.
Many new parents aren’t sure what to do at their children’s dental appointments. What should you be doing when you visit the pediatric dentist in Greenville, SC?
We’re here to offer a few helpful suggestions. Read on to learn about how to make good use of your child’s pediatric dentist.
Start Early
As we mentioned before, most dentists recommend that children see the dentist before they hit their first birthday! That may seem early to many parents. After all, the baby doesn’t have any teeth to clean!
Even if your child doesn’t have their permanent teeth (or baby teeth, for that matter), the dentist is still important.
Childhood dental health can start in infancy. A dentist will help you, as a parent, learn how to keep your child’s mouth clean and healthy. They’ll help you understand the potential risks of certain foods and behaviors, teach you how to clean your baby’s teeth and gums, and so much more.
On that note, this is also a good time to start familiarizing your child with the dentist. When you start visiting the dentist early, those visits are no longer scary. They’re just part of normal life.
When the dentist isn’t scary, your child will have an easier time maintaining good dental health.
Schedule Regular Appointments
Make sure that you’re scheduling regular appointments with your child’s pediatric dentist. Children should visit the dentist at least once per year, but many dentists recommend that they visit at least twice.
Children grow and change incredibly quickly. Between dental visits, a child can grow and lose teeth. A child may go from a mouth full of baby teeth to a mouth full of permanent teeth!
Regular visits will allow your child’s pediatric dentist to carefully monitor your child’s dental health. They may notice small changes and warning signs before they become problematic, and as a result, they’ll be able to offer advice or treatment that will prevent larger problems in the future.
Ask Questions
If you truly want to get the most out of every appointment with your child’s pediatric dentist, make sure you’re asking questions and communicating! The dentist is there to help both you and your child. They have plenty of advice to give, but you have to ask for it.
Before each appointment, try coming up with a list of questions for the dentist. Great conversation and question topics for your child’s dentist include things like:
- Your child’s eating habits and how they affect oral health
- At-home oral care for your child
- Age-related dental milestones you should be looking for
- Dental tools like toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Thumb-sucking, pacifiers, and how they affect oral health
- Cavity prevention
- What to do in the event of an emergency
- Future orthodontic concerns (more on that later)
This is just a short list. Try to remember that pediatric dentists talk to first-time parents all the time.
They know that you want to do what’s best for your child, and when it comes to questions, they’ve heard it all. Don’t assume that your questions are silly or unreasonable.
Pick the Right Dentist
If you want to get the most out of your child’s pediatric dentist, you need to pick the right one. You need a dentist that’s knowledgeable, experienced, and child-friendly.
So what should you look for?
Look for a dentist who offers a child-friendly environment. They should have relevant experience, strong communication skills, and patience when dealing with small children.
Emphasize preventive care, and choose a dentist who educates both children and parents on proper oral hygiene practices. Ensure the dentist is equipped to handle emergencies and that they encourage parent involvement during visits.
Focus on Preventive Care
Prioritize preventive care, including regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants when the dentist recommends them. Preventive measures can reduce the likelihood of dental issues and contribute to long-term oral health.
Children may still experience tooth decay and gum disease, but focusing your visits on prevention will minimize the risk of those oral health problems.
Ask About Orthodontic Care Early
A pediatric dentist is the perfect person to ask about orthodontic work for your child. No, dentists aren’t orthodontists, but they can refer you to fantastic local orthodontists who treat children.
Dentists can often spot signs of future orthodontic problems, such as crooked teeth, gaps, or even jaw misalignments. While the extent of those issues often isn’t clear this early, it’s a great time to get the ball rolling. Early interventions can prevent future issues!
How Early Can a Child Get Orthodontic Care?
Orthodontic care can start early, and some orthodontists recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that all children will need braces or other orthodontic interventions at this age.
Early orthodontic evaluations are primarily aimed at identifying any potential issues with the development of the jaw and teeth. While most children won’t begin actual orthodontic treatment until they are older, an early assessment allows orthodontists to monitor the growth of the jaw and permanent teeth, identify potential problems, and intervene if necessary.
In some cases, braces or other orthodontic tools can be used at these early ages.
Schedule an Appointment With a Pediatric Dentist in Greenville, SC
It’s time to start planning your child’s appointment with a pediatric dentist in Greenville, SC. Early dental care can help your child avoid many pesky dental and orthodontic issues in the future. You’re responsible for your child’s early oral health!
When you visit your child’s dentist, be sure to ask them about orthodontic care. They may even refer you to our team at Ross Orthodontics! We offer early interceptive treatment so children can have straight teeth and healthy smiles as young as possible.
Ready to schedule an appointment for your child? Contact us today!